This site is designed to answer basic questions

This site is designed to answer basic questions pertaining to your credit report.

Q: What do I need to obtain a copy of my credit report?
A: You will need to provide the following:
        (Required Information)
        Full Name - Last, First, Middle & (Suffix - Jr., Sr., I, II, III......)
       Current Address - Number, Street,City, State, Zip
        Social Security Number
        Date of Birth
        Picture I.D. and Copy of a Utility Bill

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Your credit report cost $8.50. Unless you have been denied credit in the last 60 days, then the report is free.

Q: Do I get a free report every year?
A: No
UNLESS
(1) Unemployed and intends to apply for employment in the 60 day period beginning on the date on which the certification is made.
(2) Is a recipient of public welfare assistance.
(3) Has reason to believe that the file on the consumer at the agency contains inaccurate information due to fraud.

Q: How do I submit my request to order my credit report?
A: 1) By Mail - with the (Required Information) and copies of your I.D.
2) In Person - You can call us to make an appointment - (808)537-9401

Q: Where are you located?
A: 1616 Liliha Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 - Click on Location for direction.

Q:What is an Equifax Credit Report?
A: An Equifax Credit Report refers to a consumer credit file from the Equifax credit reporting system, which is made up of various consumer credit reporting bureaus: some are independent and others are owned by Equifax. It is a picture of how you (as an individual) paid back the companies from whom you borrowed money, or how you have met other financial obligations.
There are usually five categories of information in an Equifax Credit Profile:

Identifying Information
Employment Information
(This is actually the last employment reported to Equifax by credit grantors, who do not usually update this information. It is used for demographic purposes only, not credit decisions).
Credit Information
Public Record Information
Inquiries

What is NOT included on your Equifax Credit Profile:

Your race
Your religion
Your health
Your driving record
Your criminal record
Your political preference

Q: How can I correct a mistake in my Equifax Credit Report?
A: Complete the Research Request Form that is sent with your Equifax Credit Report, and give details of the information you believe is incorrect or call the 800 number/Local number listed in the top right hand corner of your Equifax Credit Report in order to speak with an Equifax consumer relation personnel. We will then check with the credit grantor or public record office to see if any erroneous information has been reported. Information that cannot be verified within thirty (30) days will be removed from your file. If you and a credit grantor disagree on any information, you will need to resolve the dispute directly with the credit grantor who is the source of the information in question. If the item on your credit profile is correct, but you disagree with it being reported, you may send Equifax a brief statement for inclusion on your report. It is not to exceed 100 words (200 words for the residents of the state of Maine). It will be disclosed each time your Equifax Credit Profile is accessed.
If the reinvestigation results in changing or deleting the information you are concerned about, you may request an updated Equifax Credit Profile to be sent to any creditor that received your credit profile in the past six (6) months (12 months for Colorado, New York and Maryland residents) and/or any company which received your Equifax Credit Profile in the past two (2) years for employment purposes.

Q:What is an "inquiry" and how did it get on my Equifax Credit Report?
A: An "inquiry" is a listing of the name of a credit grantor, or authorized user who has accessed your credit file. Each inquiry is posted to the credit file so you know who has obtained a copy of it. Credit grantors post an inquiry before offering you a pre-approved credit card application. These are listed as "promotional" inquiries on your credit file because only your name and address were accessed, not your credit history information. They are NOT sent to credit grantors or businesses for reasons of credit reporting. They are listed for your informational purposes only.

Q: How long do you keep my credit information?
A: Payment in full does not remove your payment history. The length of time information remains on your credit file is:

Credit and collection accounts: Seven (7) years from the original date of delinquency.
Courthouse records (such as judgments, liens, and bankruptcies): Seven (7) years from the date filed, except for Chapters 7 and 11 bankruptcies which remain on your credit file for ten (10) years from the date filed.
New York State only: Satisfied judgments five (5) years from the date filed; paid collections: five (5) years from the date of last activity with the original creditor.

Q: How does divorce affect consumer credit?
A: A divorce decree does not supersede the original contract with the creditor, and does not release you from legal responsibility on any accounts. You must contact each creditor individually and seek their legal binding release of your obligation. Only after that release can your credit history be updated accordingly.

Q:What should I do if I believe I have been a victim of credit fraud?
A: There are several types of credit fraud, many of which involve the illegal use of your credit card numbers, or setting up new accounts in your name. If you suspect ANY improper or illegal activity is taking place, immediately contact each of the credit grantors with whom you have credit. If they determine that you are indeed a victim of credit fraud, they will give you the phone number to the Equifax Fraud Department. Please contact us immediately so that we can investigate the fraud.

Q: If I do have credit problems, is there some place where I can get advice and assistance?
A: Yes, you may obtain assistance from various organizations. For example, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) is a non-profit organization that offers free or low-cost financial counseling to help people solve their financial problems. CCCS can help you analyze your situation and work with you to develop solutions. There are more than 1,200 CCCS offices throughout the country. Call 1-800-388-2227 to get the telephone number of the office nearest you, or visit their website(Click on Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Related Links)

Q:Should I use one of those companies that promise to help "fix" my credit?
A: It's your choice. However, beware of companies that promise to remove accurate information from your credit file. Accurate information cannot be removed from a credit file. There is nothing they can do for you that you cannot do for yourself by contacting Equifax or Credit Bureau of the Pacific, directly. Only time will heal a delinquent credit history.

Q: What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
A: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the federal law regulating credit reporting companies like Equifax. It has been in effect since 1971. A revised FCRA became effective October 1, 1997. This law protects consumers' rights, such as the right to review and contest information in their credit profiles. It also specifically defines who can access the information in a credit profile, and how you are notified of this activity. You may obtain a copy of the FCRA from the Federal Trade Commission.(Select -The Fair Credit Reporting Act under "Related Links").